Like you, we buy lots of Christmas gifts throughout the year…many from yard sales. For us, it is like a treasure hunt and makes Christmas fun all year long.

We also spend more than we probably should for new gifts, but it is all budgeted and paid for with cash. And, like you, we have been scaling back a little every year.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!

Starting in summer, I start really looking at yard sales for appropriate things which can be given as gifts to my children for Christmas. Most of the toys and books that are sold have little if any wear. Last year, I remember spending less than $50 for both my kids, and getting them each a bike ($5 apiece), a sit-n-spin, a train table ($5!!!!), plus loads of books and toys (mostly costly 50 cents apiece, some less and some more). This year will be similar.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Oh, WOW! =-.

While I love homemade gifts, what I think is even more important is that we feel good about the money we do spend. Gift-giving is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it’s tough to have fun if you are wracked with guilt! Pick a total holiday spending number now, before the frenzy starts, and then you can feel good about the purchase decisions you make within that framework. I offer more specifics on holiday spending strategies at http://www.newparentfinances.com/resources_holidays.html

Thanks!

Kristin Harad, CFP
Vita Vie Financial Planning

Your story was featured in Personal Finance Buzz! Please visit and promote your article….